Having experienced minor surgery recently, I can't stress enough the significance of follow-up appointments. They are crucial in tracking your recovery progress and ensuring that there are no complications after the surgery. Doctors use these sessions to address any lingering pain or discomfort you might have and adjust your treatment as necessary. They also serve as an opportunity for patients to ask questions and clarify doubts. In short, follow-up appointments are a critical aspect of post-surgery care that should not be overlooked.
Post-surgery care: Practical recovery tips
Just had surgery? The first days set the tone for recovery. This page collects simple, useful advice so you heal faster and avoid avoidable problems. Read short guides on safe pain control, wound care, meds, and when to call your doctor.
Pain control matters. Ask about your options: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or short courses of stronger meds. Some procedures use ketorolac (Toradol) for short-term pain — see our Toradol guide to learn how to buy it safely and what risks to watch for. If you use prescription pain meds, follow doses exactly and avoid mixing with alcohol. If pain stays high despite meds, contact your surgeon.
Keep wounds clean and dry. Change dressings as instructed, wash hands first, and use only the products your clinic recommends. Watch for increasing redness, pus, fever, or new swelling — those can signal infection. Our articles on antibiotics and UTI treatments explain when antibiotics help and why proper choices matter.
Move early but carefully. Short walks after surgery lower the risk of blood clots and speed bowel recovery. Start with gentle walks the same day if your team says it’s OK. Avoid heavy lifting and straining until your surgeon clears you.
Quick at-home checklist
- Follow discharge instructions exactly; keep a copy handy.
- Take meds on schedule; use a pill organizer if helpful.
- Use ice for swelling and elevation when possible.
- Eat protein-rich foods and drink fluids to support healing.
- Keep a log of temperature, pain scores, and wound changes to share at follow-up.
Med safety and buying meds online: if you need to refill prescriptions, be cautious with online pharmacies. Read reviews and check for a pharmacy license. We review several online pharmacies and show how to spot fakes. Don’t skip prescriptions or substitute without talking to your surgeon or pharmacist.
Bowels and stomach after surgery can be tricky. Opioids cause constipation; ask for a stool softener if needed. Acid reflux meds like Nexium may be used in some cases — learn what to expect and possible side effects from our Nexium article.
When to call your surgeon
Call if you have a fever over 38°C (100.4°F), wound that’s leaking bright blood, sudden severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg swelling. Also call if you can’t keep fluids down or you have new confusion. Don’t wait — early action prevents bigger problems.
Eat to heal: focus on protein, vitamin C, zinc, and fiber. Small frequent meals help if appetite is low. Sleep matters—rest when tired, but try short walks in the day to avoid stiffness. Use compression stockings if recommended to lower clot risk. If you take supplements, tell your surgeon—some, like high-dose vitamin E, can affect bleeding. Keep notes for appointments.
Finally, use trusted resources to learn more. We cover a range of recovery topics from nerve pain meds like gabapentin to supplements and telehealth options. Bookmark this page to find quick reads that match the issue you’re facing after surgery. Heal well and ask questions — your care team expects them.